Two men accused of grievously injuring a Newcastle man in Surfers Paradise have appeared before court.
It's alleged the culprits punched the Novocastrian in the face, knocking him to the ground, before stomping on his face and breaking his jaw.
The victim remains in intensive care, regaining consciousness after being placed in an induced coma.
The two men have been remanded in custody.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Monday, 30 December 2013
Plan To Improve Mobile Phone Reception Across The Hunter
Areas of the Hunter affected by mobile phone black spots could soon be remedied with the rollout of a $100 million improvement program.
Deficiencies in mobile phone coverage in Paterson, Vacy and zones of Port Stephens which experience seasonal congestion are expected to be included in the scheme.
Residents are strongly encouraged to advise their local MPs of where reception black spots occur, to ensure the Hunter is considered a priority.
Feedback should be submitted by the 28th of February.
Deficiencies in mobile phone coverage in Paterson, Vacy and zones of Port Stephens which experience seasonal congestion are expected to be included in the scheme.
Residents are strongly encouraged to advise their local MPs of where reception black spots occur, to ensure the Hunter is considered a priority.
Feedback should be submitted by the 28th of February.
Plans to peddle through Hexham
A new cycleway proposed to traverse the Hexham Swamp is expected to generate millions of dollars in eco-tourism.
The eight kilometre track to cross through the area's wetlands, is also intended to provide a safe route into the city for cyclists, bypassing a notorious stretch of highway.
The track would create a link between Shortland and Tarro, as well as a possible connection to other Lower Hunter cycleways, including the Fernleigh Track and the proposed Richmond Vale Cycleway Project.
The cycleway is also intended to enhance the work already underway in the rehabilitation of the Hexham Swamp.
Costs are yet to be determined, but construction is expected to be relatively inexpensive, with plans for the path to incorporate the old Hunter Water pipeline.
The eight kilometre track to cross through the area's wetlands, is also intended to provide a safe route into the city for cyclists, bypassing a notorious stretch of highway.
The track would create a link between Shortland and Tarro, as well as a possible connection to other Lower Hunter cycleways, including the Fernleigh Track and the proposed Richmond Vale Cycleway Project.
The cycleway is also intended to enhance the work already underway in the rehabilitation of the Hexham Swamp.
Costs are yet to be determined, but construction is expected to be relatively inexpensive, with plans for the path to incorporate the old Hunter Water pipeline.
Sand Mine Planned For Williamtown
A proposal to convert 70 hectares of council owned land at Williamtown into a $2.5 million sand mine is currently before state planners.
If approved, the project would see a total of 4.6 million tonnes of sand extracted from the site.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the impact the development would have on air quality, and to traffic-flow along Cabbage Tree Road.
If approved, the project would see a total of 4.6 million tonnes of sand extracted from the site.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the impact the development would have on air quality, and to traffic-flow along Cabbage Tree Road.
Blacksmiths Beach raises Shark Alarm
Hunter life-guards have even more on their hands this summer, with an increase in shark sightings across our beaches, the latest at Blacksmiths Beach.
A shiver of four Great White Sharks was spotted just 50 metres from the shore over the weekend.
A helicopter patrolling a section of Blacksmiths beach caught sight of the pack, forcing members of the Swansea-Belmont Surf Lifesaving Club to close the beach for around 2 hours, scanning the water by jet ski.
Members were later unable to locate the pack.
Shark sightings at Hunter beaches have spiked over recent weeks, and Surfwatch Australia claims masses of bait fish along the coastline are to blame.
A shiver of four Great White Sharks was spotted just 50 metres from the shore over the weekend.
A helicopter patrolling a section of Blacksmiths beach caught sight of the pack, forcing members of the Swansea-Belmont Surf Lifesaving Club to close the beach for around 2 hours, scanning the water by jet ski.
Members were later unable to locate the pack.
Shark sightings at Hunter beaches have spiked over recent weeks, and Surfwatch Australia claims masses of bait fish along the coastline are to blame.
Friday, 27 December 2013
Safe-Guarding Against Lethal Bites And Stings
Hunter holiday-goers are being reminded to take precautions when it comes to dangerous creepy-crawlies this summer.
Experts are urging people to be on the lookout for snakes when turning over rocks, or probing leaf litter and soil with bare hands, especially when gardening or setting up camping sites.
Residents are reminded to brush-up on basic First Aid techniques, and to learn how to respond to bites quickly and effectively.
Experts are urging people to be on the lookout for snakes when turning over rocks, or probing leaf litter and soil with bare hands, especially when gardening or setting up camping sites.
Residents are reminded to brush-up on basic First Aid techniques, and to learn how to respond to bites quickly and effectively.
Suspected Drug Death In Booragul
Investigators believe the death of a Lake Macquarie man, discovered in a Booragul residence on Christmas Day, may be attributable to synthetic drug use.
Police initially suspected foul play, after they discovered the
47 year old's body covered in wounds and
bruises.
The possibility of synthetic drug use was introduced after
the man's friends revealed he had complained about feeling increasingly
hot and itchy after taking a substance on Christmas Eve.
The incident is currently under review.
Mobile Home Tax Scrapped
A tax which would have increased the cost-of-living to Hunter residents residing in mobile homes has been scrapped.
The Australian Taxation Office have decided not to apply GST fees to rented movable dwellings, removing months of angst and uncertainty.
The announcement follows numerous submissions from those living in the homes, as well as park owners, who were adamant the cost rise would make it unaffordable to continue living in their estates.
The Australian Taxation Office have decided not to apply GST fees to rented movable dwellings, removing months of angst and uncertainty.
The announcement follows numerous submissions from those living in the homes, as well as park owners, who were adamant the cost rise would make it unaffordable to continue living in their estates.
Operation Slow Down
At least 60 Hunter drivers have been charged with dangerous driving offences in the first few days of Operation Slow Down.
Alcohol was the 'offender-of-choice' in the Hunter Valley Local Area Command, with 4 of the 8 charged recording high blood-alcohol readings.
Police say another motorist allegedly refused to give them a sample.
Alcohol was the 'offender-of-choice' in the Hunter Valley Local Area Command, with 4 of the 8 charged recording high blood-alcohol readings.
Police say another motorist allegedly refused to give them a sample.
Pakistani Students Killed In Car Crash
A Christmas stay in Newcastle has ended with the death of two Pakistani students, after their Mitsubishi Mirage crashed on a dangerous stretch of the M1.
The five occupants of the vehicle were returning to their Auburn flat in the early hours of yesterday morning, before smashing into an embankment around 5am.
It's believed the 29 year old driver fell asleep at the wheel, while driving South on a steep, winding section of the freeway.
Azhar Iqbal, 28, and Munir Hussain, 22, died in the crash.
Police are investigating whether speed and slippery conditions may have contributed to the fatal accident.
The five occupants of the vehicle were returning to their Auburn flat in the early hours of yesterday morning, before smashing into an embankment around 5am.
It's believed the 29 year old driver fell asleep at the wheel, while driving South on a steep, winding section of the freeway.
Azhar Iqbal, 28, and Munir Hussain, 22, died in the crash.
Police are investigating whether speed and slippery conditions may have contributed to the fatal accident.
Post-Christmas Sales
Shopaholics across the Hunter will descend upon Newcastle stores today,
as they open their doors for the first time since Christmas.
While a small handful of shops were open for business yesterday, the majority remained closed as bargain hunters headed to Sydney for the iconic Boxing Day sales.
It's expected the 2013 sale period will be much stronger in comparison to previous years.
While a small handful of shops were open for business yesterday, the majority remained closed as bargain hunters headed to Sydney for the iconic Boxing Day sales.
It's expected the 2013 sale period will be much stronger in comparison to previous years.
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Monday, 23 December 2013
NSW Labor cries inaction on Brindabella
The O'Farrell Government has come under fire for failing to seek an urgent temporary transfer from the receivers of the collapsed Brindabella Airlines, which runs out of Newcastle Airport.
Labor has recommended the Government intervene, by negotiating one-on-one with Brindabella's receivers and adopting a 'use it or lose it' clause, to allow alternate airlines to provide services in the interim.
It comes as a new owner is sought for the regional flight airline, with the Government removing all exclusive licensing rights.
But Labor claims it is not enough, with air services to regional centres yet to get back up and running.
Brindabella is a key player in regional aviation, and the all-flight cancellation is believed to be affecting a range of services from medical and law enforcement, to the economy.
Labor has recommended the Government intervene, by negotiating one-on-one with Brindabella's receivers and adopting a 'use it or lose it' clause, to allow alternate airlines to provide services in the interim.
It comes as a new owner is sought for the regional flight airline, with the Government removing all exclusive licensing rights.
But Labor claims it is not enough, with air services to regional centres yet to get back up and running.
Brindabella is a key player in regional aviation, and the all-flight cancellation is believed to be affecting a range of services from medical and law enforcement, to the economy.
Newcastle Light Rail Plans Revealed Today
Newcastle is set to receive a light rail connection to its coastline, with Wickham the preferred area for a Transport Interchange, as part of plans being unveiled by the State Government today.
It's understood the Government has narrowed the possibilities to two route options for the light rail.
One route would see the network run down Hunter Street through the Mall, while option two proposes the new system run alongside the current heavy rail corridor on Scott Street.
Both routes are expected to end at Pacific Park, a short distance from Newcastle Beach, with Wickham being the favourite Interchange location.
It's understood the Government has narrowed the possibilities to two route options for the light rail.
One route would see the network run down Hunter Street through the Mall, while option two proposes the new system run alongside the current heavy rail corridor on Scott Street.
Both routes are expected to end at Pacific Park, a short distance from Newcastle Beach, with Wickham being the favourite Interchange location.
Attempted Armed Robbery At Wallsend
Police are searching for a man who allegedly attempted to rob a take-away store in Wallsend last night, armed with a knife.
The offender is believed to have entered the Cardiff Road premises through the rear door around 10:15pm, allegedly threatening one of the owners with a knife, and leaving two minor lacerations on his neck.
He was last seen running south on Cardiff Road with his face disguised.
The offender is believed to have entered the Cardiff Road premises through the rear door around 10:15pm, allegedly threatening one of the owners with a knife, and leaving two minor lacerations on his neck.
The two owners are understood to have fought off the bandit with cleaning materials, after which he left the store empty handed.
He was last seen running south on Cardiff Road with his face disguised.
Man Killed After Being Struck By Car
A Telarah father has died after being struck by a Toyota Hilux as he was crossing Hunter Street in Newcastle's CBD.
The accident occurred at approximately 10pm on Friday night, after he attended his 5 year old daughter's dance concert at the Civic Theatre.
Crash investigators are still examining the incident.
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Maitland Mother
A 30 year old man will face Newcastle Local Court via audio-visual link today, after being charged with the murder of a Maitland mother.
Just before midnight on Saturday December 7, the woman was allegedly king-hit in the car park of a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive in East Maitland.
The woman's family made the decision to turn off her life-support, as the head injuries she sustained were too severe.
The man was arrested at a home in Dunbogan last night, and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where he was refused bail.
Just before midnight on Saturday December 7, the woman was allegedly king-hit in the car park of a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive in East Maitland.
The woman's family made the decision to turn off her life-support, as the head injuries she sustained were too severe.
The man was arrested at a home in Dunbogan last night, and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where he was refused bail.
Merry-Makers Urged To Stay Safe Over The Christmas Period
Medics at John Hunter Hospital are warning people to be mindful of the dangers associated with completing odd jobs around the house during the Christmas period.
Fractured skulls, ribs and brain bleeds top the list of most common ladder-related injuries, with retired males over age 60 identified as being at greatest risk when 'decking the halls'.
Fractured skulls, ribs and brain bleeds top the list of most common ladder-related injuries, with retired males over age 60 identified as being at greatest risk when 'decking the halls'.
People are also warned to ensure toys given to children are age-appropriate, and to avoid hiding coins in puddings.
Friday, 20 December 2013
New Catholic Church To Be Built In Belmont
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is welcoming the announcement of a brand new Catholic church to be built in Belmont next year.
The Saint Francis Xavier's Church in Ernest Street will be transformed into a hall to be shared by the parish and church primary school.
The current facilities, which includes various de-mountable buildings, are inadequate for larger crowds and funerals, and pose significant safety and accessibility concerns for elderly and disabled community members.
Plans for the $2.5 million project should be approved next week, with the church expected to be completed by Easter 2015.
It's believed the transformation could pave the way for other new churches to be built.
The Saint Francis Xavier's Church in Ernest Street will be transformed into a hall to be shared by the parish and church primary school.
The current facilities, which includes various de-mountable buildings, are inadequate for larger crowds and funerals, and pose significant safety and accessibility concerns for elderly and disabled community members.
Plans for the $2.5 million project should be approved next week, with the church expected to be completed by Easter 2015.
It's believed the transformation could pave the way for other new churches to be built.
Need For 'Wildlife Action Plan'
There's been calls to develop a 'Wildlife Action Plan' following the attack of a Rutherford teenager by two kangaroos.
Housing developments have been blamed for driving native animals out of their natural habitats, forcing them to move closer to residential areas.
Maitland City Council is investigating what can be done to ensure residents and kangaroos can co-exist safely.
Housing developments have been blamed for driving native animals out of their natural habitats, forcing them to move closer to residential areas.
Maitland City Council is investigating what can be done to ensure residents and kangaroos can co-exist safely.
Rio Tinto's Warkworth Mine Modification Given Green Light
The NSW Minerals Council says the approval of Rio Tinto's Warkworth Mine modification will likely save the jobs of up to 1300 mining workers.
With more than 3000 jobs lost in the sector over the past year, the Minerals Council believes the go-ahead is a reminder of the need to generate jobs and investment.
However, Bulga residents insist the economic benefits reaped by the mining industry aren't worth the health complications which can be brought about by poor air-quality.
With more than 3000 jobs lost in the sector over the past year, the Minerals Council believes the go-ahead is a reminder of the need to generate jobs and investment.
However, Bulga residents insist the economic benefits reaped by the mining industry aren't worth the health complications which can be brought about by poor air-quality.
Trail Bikers Cause Pram To Crash Into Watercourse
A Hunter mother was forced to dive into thigh-deep water to rescue her nine month old daughter, following a near miss with speeding trail-bike riders.
Kimberley Berends was walking along the track between Toronto and Blackalls Park with her three year old son and baby when the riders approached at high speed, almost colliding with the family.
In the process of vacating the path, her pram crashed into the watercourse which runs alongside the walkway.
The baby was unharmed and pedestrians are reminded to be careful.
Kimberley Berends was walking along the track between Toronto and Blackalls Park with her three year old son and baby when the riders approached at high speed, almost colliding with the family.
In the process of vacating the path, her pram crashed into the watercourse which runs alongside the walkway.
The baby was unharmed and pedestrians are reminded to be careful.
Heat Wave Predicted
Hunter residents are being urged to stay cool and to keep well hydrated, with a wave of hot weather expected to set-in from today.
Temperatures are predicted to remain in the high 30's and 40's for large areas of the State, and those living in bush-land open interfaces are being told to brace for fire danger.
Residents are being encouraged to have a Bush-Fire Survival Plan in place, and watch out for signs of heat-related illness, including nausea, vomiting, weakness and headaches.
Motorists are being reminded of the dangers of leaving the elderly, children and pets unattended in cars.
Temperatures are predicted to remain in the high 30's and 40's for large areas of the State, and those living in bush-land open interfaces are being told to brace for fire danger.
Residents are being encouraged to have a Bush-Fire Survival Plan in place, and watch out for signs of heat-related illness, including nausea, vomiting, weakness and headaches.
Motorists are being reminded of the dangers of leaving the elderly, children and pets unattended in cars.
Racist Graffiti
The Hannell Street portrait of a young Aboriginal boy from last month's 'Hit the Bricks' Festival has been defaced with racist graffiti.
The portrait is a favourite in the street-art display, and the offensive messages offended many passers-by.
However an anti-graffiti shield on all of the murals enabled the defacement to be promptly removed without damaging the painting.
The portrait is a favourite in the street-art display, and the offensive messages offended many passers-by.
However an anti-graffiti shield on all of the murals enabled the defacement to be promptly removed without damaging the painting.
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Hunter Water to Sell Honeysuckle Headquarters
The new year will see Hunter Water sell its Honeysuckle Drive headquarters in an effort to fund improvements to its Burwood Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant.
While the plant is the largest in the Lower-Hunter region, predicted population growth has prompted the expansion.
Residents will receive information about the treatment plant upgrades this week, with an invitation to tour the Burwood Beach facility in March.
HSC Results Released
Hunter and Central Coast students can now officially access their HSC results online, with the NSW Board of Studies releasing the all-important scores today.
Students will be notified if they've made the cut for University, with ATARS to follow tomorrow.
High Achievers will also be recognised this week, in categories including: First In Course, Distinguished or Top-Band Achievers and All-Rounders.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Warkworth Mine Expansion
Rio Tinto's application to expand the Warkworth coal mine is moving ahead too quickly for local action groups.
The Lock the Gate Alliance and Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association are pressuring the State Government to stop the process and consider public responses.
Public interest groups believe there has been a collusion between the State Government and the mining giant in order to fast-track the approval process.
NBN Review Promises Faster Delivery Speeds
A strategic review of the National Broadband Network has revealed that faster NBN can be delivered to Hunter residents four years sooner and for $32 billion less by employing a range of technologies.
The review, carried out by NBN Co. has advised that the plan be carried out sooner and more affordably for taxpayers by matching the right technology to the right locations and by making use of existing networks where possible.
The new broadband strategy will allow for faster delivery and less financial waste.
Global Breast Cancer Prevention Study
Hunter women with a higher risk of breast cancer diagnosis have been the focus of a major study aiming to decrease incidence of the illness.
More than 150 Hunter women have taken part in the global study to identify a treatment which may halve the risk for post-menopausal women prone to the disease.
Anastrozole, a drug currently used in cancer treatment, could potentially halve the risk for women prone to the disease.
Over five years, researchers found 40 women in the Anastrozole group developed breast cancer, while 85 in the placebo group were diagnosed.
Results showed the drug was more effective than existing therapies, and produced fewer side-effects.
More than 150 Hunter women have taken part in the global study to identify a treatment which may halve the risk for post-menopausal women prone to the disease.
Anastrozole, a drug currently used in cancer treatment, could potentially halve the risk for women prone to the disease.
Over five years, researchers found 40 women in the Anastrozole group developed breast cancer, while 85 in the placebo group were diagnosed.
Results showed the drug was more effective than existing therapies, and produced fewer side-effects.
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Monday, 9 December 2013
Dust Survey Results Released
Tighes Hill Community Group has released the preliminary findings of their survey on attitudes towards the coal industry.
The 'Coal Dust Free Streets' project aimed to find out resident's opinions on coal pollution, noise and the proposed fourth coal terminal.
The results show that 65% of residents are opposed to T4, over 70% support a curfew on train movements between 11am and 5am and over 85% believe covers should be implemented on waggons, stockpiles and loaders.
"This is a community that lives right on the door stop of the Carrington coal facility and they clearly think it's about time the industry cleans up it's act," said Zane Alcorn, from the Coal Terminal Action Group.
Mr Alcorn said modern coal terminal are entirely enclosed.
"Carrington is basically a dinosaur of the 1970s and there's a recent coal terminal in Western Australia and the stock piles and load facilities are completely enclosed. We know that technology is commercially available," he said.
Tighes Hill Community Group spokesperson, Charlotte McCabe agreed with Mr Alcorn.
"While in Newcastle we're still debating weather or not dust is a health issue for us here, in other parts of the world they've already worked out that it is very serious health concern and they've developed new technology for covering stock piles and train [waggons] and loaders," she said.
The Tighes Hill survey is a pilot for a wider survey early next year.
"We really hope we can see some good out comes from this survey," Ms McCabe said.
Council to discuss allocation of repayment
The push for Newcastle Council to contribute close to $1.5 million to the cliff-top coastal walk project is coming under fire from Labor Councillors.
Council is expecting the money from an airport loan-repayment, and is seeking $12 million from the state government's Resources for Regions Fund for their Coastal Revitalisation Masterplan.
Cr Nuatali Nelmes says the State should fund the cliff-top project.
"It was always promised from the state government to be delivered with private funding and not with any money from council.
"They've [the state government] come to council asking for money for that [cliff-top coastal walk] project," Cr Nelmes said.
Cr Nuatali Nelmes raised a notice of motion, and council will discuss the issue at a meeting tomorrow night.
Website rates health professionals
Hunter based health Insurer NIB claims its website Whitecoat, an online-rating site of health professionals, has been enjoying more than 40,000 visitors since its November launch.
Whitecoat allows users to access the details of up to 30,000 providers, including dentists and doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors.
CEO of NIB Mark Fitzgibbon says there's range of benefits for providers and customers
"For the customers and patients it's just giving more information to make a decision about their choice of providers."
"I think ultimately for the providers it's an opportunity for them to market their services," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
State funding revealed for Maitland community
The State Government has announced more than $140,000 for Maitland, in the latest round of Community Building Partnership Grants.
Council is receiving $50,000 towards disabled access and toilet facilities at Maitland's Number 1 Sports-ground, while the Netball Association is also receiving $50,000 towards a new $1.6 million multi-purpose amenities facility.
Maitland Rugby Club has been allocated $25,000 to re-line the ceiling of their club-house at Marcellin Park and Thornton Redbacks Football Club is getting more than $15,000 for aluminium-tiered seating.
Maitland MP, Robyn Parker says these are important projects.
"[This is about] community groups working with government in partnership, coming up with new infrastructure projects, some of them quite small, some quiet large, really where funding doesn't fit into any other bucket."
Cabinet reshuffle puts Souris in Hunter ministry
Upper Hunter MP, George Souris will assume the role of Minister for the Hunter following a small cabinet reshuffle this morning.
He takes the role from Police Minister, Mike Gallagher, who is now the Minister for the Central Coast following the resignation of Chris Hartcher in the wake of an ICAC investigation into political donations.
Health professionals warn of virus increase
Mosquito activity has increased in the Hunter, with people being urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
The past month has seen 10 people infected with the Ross River or Bahmah viruses.
Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim says the recent rain has provided ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
"[At] this time of the year, the environmental conditions are perfect for mosquito breeding and survival.
"Mosquitoes need [a] moist environment to lay their eggs and then obviously when the adults hatch out, they need sufficiently warm conditions to survive long enough to become infected themselves to pass the infection onto people," Dr Durrheim said.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Work Starts On Disabilty Housing At Mayfield
Site preparation work has commenced for the construction of two disability group homes at Mayfield.
The homes will be built adjacent to CatholicCare's new facility in Crebert Street and will accomodate 5 people in each home with 24 hour care.
22 affordable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom housing units will also be built on the site which will be made available to people who work full time but may have a lower earning capacity.
The new facility will add to CatholicCare's existing stock of 3 group homes in the Hunter region.
It's expected to open in July next year.
The homes will be built adjacent to CatholicCare's new facility in Crebert Street and will accomodate 5 people in each home with 24 hour care.
22 affordable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom housing units will also be built on the site which will be made available to people who work full time but may have a lower earning capacity.
The new facility will add to CatholicCare's existing stock of 3 group homes in the Hunter region.
It's expected to open in July next year.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Fight for Honeysuckle's foreshore
Honeysuckle residents have opposed
Newcastle Council's move to consider future plans for the construction of residential apartments
on the former site of Lynch's Prawns.
The plan proposes the construction of
a four-storey, 377-square-metre apartment tower on land which was originally
intended to be a public foreshore park.
Honeysuckle Residents Association
secretary Alistair Christie says errors in initial zoning classed 1.7 metres of
the foreshore as part of the site, an error which has been known to council
since 2008.
“The existing foreshore promenade
where people walk, when they sell the site it will actually be selling about
1.7 metres wide of the footpath… which is totally unacceptable.”
Mr Christie believes the site would be
best developed into a space for public use.
“Council, many years ago in 2003 put
forward a suggestion that there be a small publically orientated use put on
that site, possibly a small café, and that’s what would be appropriate use of
that site, a bike rental store, something like that for the public.”
Newcastle in the spotlight as Special Olympics gets underway.
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific
Games got underway at Hunter Stadium, with more than 2300 athletes attending
the opening ceremonies.
Competition will begin today for 9
different sports, and people are encouraged to spectate the events which are
admission-free.
Games Director Chris Hevrin says
Newcastle is more than up to the task of hosting a great games.
“We had just under 25 000 people in
the stadium, the atmosphere was just electric,” he said, “I’ve never seen so
many people with a smile on their face and I don’t think I’ve ever been to an
event, big concerts included, where people danced as much for the whole night.
It was just amazing!”
The games have attracted athletes from
29 nations, and are the first to be held for the Asia-Pacific region.
“It just means so much to them and
they’re representing their country, this is an very very special occasion for
them. A lot them have ever been on a plane before, quite a lot have not seen
any ocean [sic] before,” said Mr Hevrin.
The athletes are staying at various
places around the Newcastle and Port Stephen’s area.
The events are free to spectate and
the full schedule of events can be found on their website.
Bulga and Rio Tinto Battle Continues
Bulga residents have accused the government of colluding with Rio Tinto to expand the Mount Thorley Walkworth mine.
Rio Tinto lodged an application on November 12 to expand the mine into Saddle Ridge, the natural barrier between Bulga and the mine.
Previously Rio Tinto planned to expand the Walkworth mine to within 2.6 kilometres of Bugla. After challenges from local group, Bulgra Mibrodale Progress Association, the application was over turned by the NSW Land and Mineral Association and is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court by Rio Tinto and NSW Government.
John Krey, vice president of the BMPA, said that the move is a breach of faith.
“The deed in 2003 and the Land and Environment court says they can’t touch [Saddle Ridge],” he said.
The New South Wales Minerals Council claim the expansion has received over 900 positive submissions.
Mr Krey said claims the positive submissions where the result of a marketing campaign by Rio Tinto and the Minerals Councils.
“You can tell the same lie 900 times but that doesn’t make the truth,” Mr Krey said, “we’re only a small town of 350 people; we don’t have the financial resources to do a campaign that the Minerals Councils and Rio Tinto have. So, yeah, they got a lot of submissions but you’ve got to look at the meat of the submission, and I think if you look at the submissions that said ‘no’ to the mine you’ll find there’s a lot of meat in that.”
Miner crushed by 400-tonne truck
Revensworth coal mine near Singleton
will remain closed today as workers receive counselling following the death of
a contractor.
The contracted miner is believed to have been on a routine break when her 4-wheel drive crossed into the path of a 250-tonne dump truck on Saturday night, crushing her vehicle.
Construction, Forestry and Electrical Union spokesman, Peter Jordan, says a lot of employees have been affected by the incident.
"When there’s a fatality on a mine site it’s an enormous impact upon fellow workers and in this particular case you’ve just got to work very closely with all employees to satisfy that their health and safety as well as their state of mind is right,” said Mr Jordan, “all employees should be able to go to work return home safely… it’s unfortunate that this female mine worker hasn’t been able to do that, I think that’s enough of an alarm bell to the industry to make sure that these incidents don’t occur again.”
Several agencies, including the CFEU, will be investigating the incident. Investigations will focus on how the woman missed several signs on her way to the T-intersection.
Mr Jordan said inadequate signage may be to blame.
“We’ll be examining what they mean by ‘give way signs’ as opposed to ‘stop signs’, because we’re told there way only a give way sign there… there has to be a complete overhaul of an understanding as to how, why and when light vehicles should interact such heavy equipment,” he said.
Police and inspectors from NSW Trade and Investment’s Mine Safety Investigation Unit are also investigating.
The contracted miner is believed to have been on a routine break when her 4-wheel drive crossed into the path of a 250-tonne dump truck on Saturday night, crushing her vehicle.
Construction, Forestry and Electrical Union spokesman, Peter Jordan, says a lot of employees have been affected by the incident.
"When there’s a fatality on a mine site it’s an enormous impact upon fellow workers and in this particular case you’ve just got to work very closely with all employees to satisfy that their health and safety as well as their state of mind is right,” said Mr Jordan, “all employees should be able to go to work return home safely… it’s unfortunate that this female mine worker hasn’t been able to do that, I think that’s enough of an alarm bell to the industry to make sure that these incidents don’t occur again.”
Several agencies, including the CFEU, will be investigating the incident. Investigations will focus on how the woman missed several signs on her way to the T-intersection.
Mr Jordan said inadequate signage may be to blame.
“We’ll be examining what they mean by ‘give way signs’ as opposed to ‘stop signs’, because we’re told there way only a give way sign there… there has to be a complete overhaul of an understanding as to how, why and when light vehicles should interact such heavy equipment,” he said.
Police and inspectors from NSW Trade and Investment’s Mine Safety Investigation Unit are also investigating.
45 second pursuit ends in tree collisions
An
18-year-old driver has been charged with a number of offences after leading
police on a pursuit through Mayfield in
the early hours of Sunday.
Highway Patrol Police allegedly saw the vehicle travelling west along Maitland Road at high speed.
Inspector Terry Burns says the driver sped off after police attempted to pull him over.
"It [the pursuit] lasted about 45 seconds until the driver lost control of the vehicle, colliding with a number of trees along Warabrook Boulevard.
"The driver only sustained superficial injuries and didn't require treatment."
Highway Patrol Police allegedly saw the vehicle travelling west along Maitland Road at high speed.
Inspector Terry Burns says the driver sped off after police attempted to pull him over.
"It [the pursuit] lasted about 45 seconds until the driver lost control of the vehicle, colliding with a number of trees along Warabrook Boulevard.
"The driver only sustained superficial injuries and didn't require treatment."
Attempted abduction at Cooranbong
Lake Macquarie Police are searching for a man who assaulted a teenage girl at Cooranbong.
The 15-year-old was walking along Freemans Drive just before 11am on Saturday when she noticed a man following her before he disappeared.
Brooke Eggleton from Police Headquarters says a short time later the man reappeared from nearby bushes and grabbed the girl from behind, placing his hand across her mouth.
The girl ran to a nearby church, where staff alerted police.
The man is described as being of African appearance, 20-30 years of age, a medium build and was last seen wearing grey knee length shorts.
Fires believed to be linked
Police believe the same person or people are responsible for lighting a series of bush fires in the Lake Macquarie area.
Between Sunday, July 21 and Tuesday, November 5, 10 fires broke out on the western side of the lake, including a large blaze which started on Sunday, September 29
The fire required water bombing aircraft to help extinguish it.
Newcastle Airport expansion receives funding
The $80 million Newcastle Airport expansion project is another step closer to completion with the Department of Defence committing to a funding contribution for a wastewater pipeline.
The project is expected to be completed this month.
The construction of a $17 million wastewater pipeline is required to cover the expected increase of airport visitors from 2 million to 5 million people each year.
The 14 kilometre long pipeline will run between Tomago and the airport, and it is expected to bring employment and tourism benefits to the Hunter.
The project is expected to be completed this month.
Firearm charges for Abermain man
An Abermain man will front court early next year after firearms were seized from his home.
The 35-year-old man has been issued with a court attendance notice for several offences including not keep a firearm safe and two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm.
Police allegedly found two unregistered bolt-action rifles, and a rifle stock in a rear shed.
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